8Josh Johnson QB

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Josh Johnson: Released by Giants

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Johnson was released by the Giants on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Johnson was entrenched in a battle with Geno Smith for the No. 2 job behind starter Eli Manning. Neither was particularly impressive in preseason action, but it seems the Giants are simply more comfortable with Smith. The team's No. 3 QB, 2017 third-rounder Davis Webb, was never in danger of losing his roster spot because of the draft capital the team invested in him.

Johnson got the start with veteran Eli Manning sitting for this tuneup, but struggled in his four drives of action. He took three costly sacks, including a six-yard loss from Pittsburgh's 3-yard line. Geno Smith didn't do much with his opportunity, either, also failing to produce a touchdown while adding one interception. Johnson entered with a slight edge over the former Jet in the competition for the backup job, and this game likely didn't change that status quo with both failing to impress.

With Eli Manning sidelined for the exhibition opener, Johnson has been handed the first chance to land the backup quarterback gig. Once Johnson takes a seat, Geno Smith will try has hand with the Giants offense, but rookie Davis Webb is expected to see some action as well. Nevertheless, whoever lands the No. 2 spot is unlikely to pick up more than garbage-time snaps due to Manning's consecutive-game streak of 199 games.

Johnson signed a two-year contract with the Giants on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Giants could look to address their quarterback depth in the 2017 NFL Draft, but as things currently stand, Johnson looks in line to serve as Eli Manning's top backup. The 30-year-old Johnson brings a mobility to the position that Manning lacks, but he hasn't logged a snap in a regular-season game since the 2013 season. Fortunately for the Giants, Manning is about as durable as it gets, so Johnson's lack of reps the last few seasons shouldn't be a major issue.

Johnson will serve as the backup to starter Eli Manning on Sunday against the Eagles, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.TV reports.

Johnson will move up the depth chart in the absence of Ryan Nassib, who is inactive Sunday due to elbow soreness. The 30-year-old has yet to take a snap this season, and hasn't completed a pass in the NFL since the 2011 season with Tampa Bay.